AprilJournal

The Edinburgh Science Festival aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover science in the world around them. The programme is worth a look with its eclectic mix of topics from 'Physics Wizardry' workshops for children to 'Cheesology' and 'the Science of Gin and Tonic' for grown ups.

We are also looking forward to Beltane, celebrating the turning of the Celtic seasons with a display of fire, drumming, and acrobatics on Calton Hill.

• Edinburgh International Science Festival | 4th - 19th April 2026
• Beltane Fire Festival | 30th April 2026

5th April 2026

Spend Easter Sunday with the perfect Sunday roast and country walk straight from your cottage door. Get into the Easter spirit with delicious food delivered to your door by COOK, paint and roll jewel-bright eggs in the hills, and return to roaring fires, deep sofas and good books.

If certain members of the family are more interested in the Easter eggs, don't worry, we put together a great collection of Easter egg hunts in and around Edinburgh:

• Easter Trail at the Royal Botanic Gardens | usually takes place throughout Easter weekend 2026
• The National Trust for Scotland usually have a huge number of Easter events every year. We recommend their local event at Newhailes House & Gardens.
• Easter Eggstravaganza at Traquair | 5th April 2026
• Easter at Jupiter Artland | On Easter weekend Jupiter hosts an enchanted picnic with storytelling for children.
• Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Dalkeith Palace! | Easter weekend 2026

• The National Galleries of Scotland have a huge number of events, tours and artist workshops for both adults and children.
• Hopetoun House and grounds often host ranger walks and house tours throughout the year. See their website for what's on.
• Dalkeith Country Park is very similar, bushcraft, walks and foraging workshops are hosted frequently.
• Dovecot Studios offer behind the scenes tours and workshops on tapestry, drawing and needlework.
• And last but not least, the National Museums Scotland host in depth tours for grown ups and fantastic exhibition interpretations for little ones.

For the best food, drink and local larders in and around Edinburgh we have listed some of our favourite Edinburgh and country based restaurants, shops and suppliers for your April break.

Brew your own

How about booking yourselves in to Craft Beer Kitchen. Stewarts Brewing has long invited the public in to try their hand at crafting the perfect pint. With expert guidance you can spend the day brewing your very own bespoke beer. If staying at Eastside, the brewery are more than happy to send the beer on (within the UK) when it's ready. Not a bad holiday souvenir!